Niall Collins has been accused of trying to influence a judge after it emerged he sought leniency for a convicted drug dealer.

The Fianna Fail Justice spokesman wrote to a judge asking for a dad-of-four not to be jailed out of what he described as “compassion and concern” for his children.

But Taoiseach Enda Kenny said this was a “direct intervention in the administration of justice” and demanded answers from Mr Collins and his party leader.

The Taoiseach said: “This is a very serious matter, this constitutes a direct intervention in the administration of justice.

“This is an issue where you’re not just a public representative but a shadow Minister for justice has written directly to a judge seeking to influence his decision in the administration of justice as he sees fit.

“I think it calls from an immediate explanation from the leader of his party Deputy Micheal Martin and an immediate explanation from Deputy Collins himself.”

Hugo Porter of St Patrick’s Villa’s Castleconnell, Co Limerick pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and cannabis resin for the purpose of sale or supply.

The drugs, which had a street value of almost €18,000 were recovered by gardai in a field at Garden Hill, Castleconnell Co Limerick, on June 24, 2011.

Mr Collins said he had nothing to hide and nothing to gain from writing the letter for the man who was not a constituent of his.

He said: “I fully understand and respect the absolute independence of any sentencing judge in making their decision based on the facts put before them during any trial.

“If my actions suggest anything other than total respect for judicial independence that is a source of genuine regret.”

Taoiseach Enda Kenny (Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

At his sentencing hearing last Monday Judge Moran Judge Carroll Moran was told Porter was the sole carer of his four young children as his wife had died in tragic circumstances earlier this year.

Defence Counsel Michael Collins BL, argued that the family circumstances of the accused man placed the case in the “exceptional category”.

He said this was supported by the letter written by Deputy Collins which was presented to Judge Moran.

The letter which was not read out in court was dated last month, and was written on personalised headed paper and included his photograph and contact details.

Mr Collins has come under pressure to step aside as Justice spokesman because of the letter.

The Limerick TD said he would not be making any more comment until the court case was concluded.

He said: “To be very clear I wrote the letter outlining the exceptional circumstances of this family as the four children lost their mother through suicide earlier this year and I truly believed that the Judge should be made aware of these tragic circumstances so that they could be taken into consideration when sentencing.

“My decision was based solely on compassion and concern for the four children. Sentencing in this case has been deferred until October and I do not intend to speak about it any further.”